The Question of the Moroccan Western Sahara at the Heart of Bernard LUGAN's Conference

Bernard LUGAN, historian and author of several books and articles whose primary subject is Africa.

Known as one of the most famous Africanist historians, Prof. Lugan was welcomed this Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Euromed University of Fes. As part of the Lecture Series initiated by the Euromed University of Fes, UEMF's special guest, Prof. LUGAN, gave a lecture entitled: "Understanding the Question of the Moroccan Western Sahara".

During this lecture, Prof. Achachi co-moderated the debate, highlighting various questions dealing with the subject of the so-called Moroccan Western Sahara. Professor LUGAN explained the reasoning behind the choice of this contentious title by referring to geography and political reality, reiterating the statement of Allal El Fassi who once declared that the Sahara has always been Moroccan.

Furthermore, Mr. LUGAN shed light on the ingenious masterstroke of His Majesty the late Hassan II through the Green March in 1975; a major event that transformed the situation. Moreover, Morocco has not ceased to defend its territorial integrity on an international scale through the Moroccan autonomy plan, accompanied by royal speeches from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, always reflecting the noble symbol of the extended hand and the appeal to political pacifism.

This meeting was also an opportunity for Mr. LUGAN to sign his latest book "The Western Sahara in 10 Questions", a concise and informative synthesis on the political, historical, and social stakes of this complex and contested region.

A constructive exchange took place during this lecture, allowing students and research professors at the University to participate in an interdisciplinary debate covering the various topics mentioned and many others related to current geopolitical challenges.